The 39-mile line runs from Moscow to Benton and offers a second transmission link to the county, raising transmission capacity for renewable energy exports from the region’s wind, biomass, and hydroelectric generators.
Central Maine Power president and chief executive officer Sara Burns said, "Residential, commercial, and industrial customers will have more reliable service, and we’re providing better access to markets for the region’s renewable energy industry."
The company said the line was built within the corridor of another transmission line to minimize impact on the environment.
The $33m project, on which work began last October, includes the addition of a 115,000 V terminal with breakers and other improvements at the Wyman Hydro Substation in Moscow, and the construction of 450 single-pole, wood structures in an existing corridor through nine towns in Kennebec and Somerset counties.
Maine Public Utilities Commission has approved the project in 2011.
